Why did you choose this programme?

“When I completed my Bachelor's degree, I was looking for an additional challenge within my field of study. I had completed my degree in Computer Science, which opened up several options within IT. In the end, I chose the Master's in Software Engineering at the UvA: the programme fitted well with my previous studies, the Master's and the university have a strong reputation, and on top of that, it takes one year instead of two.”

How much freedom did you have when selecting courses or projects?

“Because the Master's is only a one-year programme, it is an intensive course consisting mainly of exercises, assignments and sometimes tests. Much of the work is done in groups, and in some courses you can choose from a variety of clients or assignments. In addition, during your thesis, you are given a lot of freedom to research a topic that matches your interests.”

How practical or theoretical is the programme?

“There is a focus on the academic side of IT, covering complex concepts and requiring you to regularly dive into the literature. Despite the theoretical heaviness, I think most students get through this with the right attitude to work. Every course also contains a practical component, in which the theory is often applied directly. Think of practising with formulas, writing code or carrying out an assignment for an external client. I would roughly divide the Master's into three parts: learning about code and programming, learning about project success and project management, and learning about - or applying - key IT components such as model-based coding, CI/CD pipelines and infrastructure implementation.”

How would you describe the atmosphere within the programme?

“The atmosphere within the programme is mixed. Many students do the Master's part-time alongside their jobs, and a large part of the group is international. Many subjects are taught in groups; so those are the people you have the most contact with. I would say that this Master's is not known for a close-knit student community, but that is not necessarily a problem. It depends on what you look for and expect - and perhaps more importantly, what you make of it yourself. For example, every Monday before class we went to play sports at Science Park with a teacher, after we challenged him to do so - and he was crazy enough to join in.”

What kind of thesis or graduation projects are possible?

“There are many possibilities - it mainly takes commitment to get it right. I myself am doing research for the education committee on the use of AI tools in education. Not immediately a topic you would expect to see in a Software Engineering Master's programme, but it was approved anyway. I am very happy about that, because it is a subject that really interests me.”

What advice would you give to someone considering this Master’s programme?

“This is a one-year Master's that is both challenging and educational. The teaching team is highly competent and truly committed to the quality of the programme. Moreover, upon completion, you will have a valuable degree in your pocket from a well-regarded university. Does this sound like you? Then you have come to the right place.”